Sean Major-Campbell | Media for the protection of human rights, justice, and truth

THE PLANNING of the annual human rights service held at Christ Church Vineyard Town met with challenges in the aftermath of the extreme monster Hurricane Melissa. We realised very soon that the usual support and commitments for this service would be challenged, given the change of focus and energy.

Human rights concerns are always about what is in the best interest of the well-being of people. Human life and property are to be always protected. However, the most vulnerable will need special focus in these times of crisis and disaster. Today, Christ Church Vineyard Town hosts the annual Human Rights service at 8 a.m. under the theme ‘Human rights, disasters, media, the 4th estate: Voice for the vulnerable in times of disaster’. The celebrant and preacher is the Rt Rev Leon Golding, bishop for the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE

In periods of potential or threatening disaster, the media or fourth estate plays a significant role in disseminating information. The same is true in the aftermath of other catastrophic situations. Response-and-recovery modes require effective information management. As in time of war, truth is vulnerable to being a casualty of political tensions and social media abuse.

Consider this sobering reality noted by UNESCO: “The scale and impact of disasters are growing in recent years. In 2024 alone, disaster-related overall losses globally reached an estimated US$320 billion, compared to US$250 billion in 2023, and behind these figures lie far-reaching human, social, and developmental consequences.” What will those figures be when the losses incurred across Jamaica and our Caribbean neighbours are determined? And do not forget that the impact will be for years to come.

A UNESCO report titled ‘Media in the face of disasters’ notes, “Disasters interrupt services, strain institutions, and test societies’ ability to function in emergency situations, where access to reliable and timely information is all the more vital”. We do well to celebrate our Jamaican media with its rich history of independent service to the nation and, indeed, the world; even as we encourage them to remain the fourth estate ,advancing the cause for truth which we may consider a justice issue in an age of disinformation.

FALSE WITNESS

A basic biblical teaching which is also found across religious traditions is that of refusing to bear false witness. Traditional intelligence appears to be competing with artificial intelligence, when it comes to disinformation. The integrity of information systems and the protected role of media will have to be prioritised if we are going to realise “justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica land we love.”

How many of us realised that, when the prime minister of Jamaica declared Jamaica a threatened area, there was the potential for serious human rights abuses. That is because, when such powers are invoked under the Disaster Risk Management Act, state power is increased while certain freedoms are limited. This is why it is so important that our security forces, to include the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, which have been doing an excellent job, continue to work with awareness and sensitivity to human rights. And yet, it is still okay for a civilised society to be concerned about the increasing number of persons killed by the police.

It is not surprising that women and children feature on the front lines of those seeking assistance in this relief-and-recovery period. The reality of gender significance is palpable. Single mothers outnumber single fathers. Since women tend to live longer than men, widowed women often outnumber widowed men. Female pensioners may also outnumber male pensioners. Exposed communities, post-zinc migration, may also see an increase in the number of young mothers being left alone as some fathers hide from the state for various reasons. And there is the matter of LGBT+ folks who now hear that the landlord needs the place to fix the roof and so they must move since “the place is inhabitable”.

CLIMATE JUSTICE

Hurricane Melissa has also brought into focus the troubling matter of climate justice which, in turn, has cast the blazing sunlight on those who pay the highest price when climate justice is ignored. The prime minister is reasonable in recognising Jamaica’s capacity for consideration regarding international loans in this time of crisis. However, two positions may be correct at the same time. And so, the leader of the Opposition is also correct in observing the obligation that wealthy countries have to those who are victims of their excessive dependence on carbon-based fuels.

This week, as we join the rest of the world in observing World Human Rights Day on December 10, let us pause to remember the vulnerable in these times. Let us celebrate our freedoms in Jamaica, and our media practitioners in these challenging times. Let us beware of the temptation to misjudge those with difficult questions and critical thinking platforms. Let us be thankful that we live in a Jamaica where it is okay to respectfully challenge all those in public trust and authority.

We shall pray for our Jamaican press even as we hold them to being accountable as witnesses to evidentiary research providing facts, ensuring reliability, and seeking always to be agents of accuracy, while living compassion for our Jamaican sisters and brothers. We pray that, as they present truth to power without favour or prejudice, they may fulfill their high calling in the service of justice and truth for Jamaica, land and people we love.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com